January 10, 1903
July 11, 1903
April 29, 1916
March 14, 1925
December 4, 1937
May 18, 1940
March 22, 1941
March 23, 1946
May 8, 1948
May 8, 1948
March 31, 1951
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Vintage Ads: See America by Rail
Throughout the 1900s, railroads encouraged Americans to travel by train to explore the country, and do it in style.
Detail from a Southern Pacific advertisement from the March 31, 1951, issue of The Saturday Evening Post
July 11, 1903
April 29, 1916
March 14, 1925
December 4, 1937
May 18, 1940
March 22, 1941
March 23, 1946
May 8, 1948
May 8, 1948
March 31, 1951
Comments
Amy, thank you for mentioning this in your comments, and my bad for NOT mentioning it in mine the other day! I was born and raised in the state, and still live here. It’s common knowledge nationwide it’s about THE most expensive state, and a train wreck to boot; no pun intended. 122 years ago, I’m sure that was probably accurate.
I had to chuckle at the small print in the Golden State Limited ad – “Living is not expensive in California. As a matter of fact, it costs less than in almost any other part of the country.” Ah, the good old days!
Great opening picture to say the least. I love how in the first one (1903) they ad copy’s repeatedly telling you to just drop EVERYTHING you’re doing, and get yourself on the Golden Limited NOW; especially if you’re feeling “out of sorts” and need rest! Many of the early ones don’t even depict the train, just the destination itself.
The horseback riding illustration in the 1916 Great Northern Railway had me sold right away. The two Southern Pacific’s in color art really show off the streamlined trains, and all that they offer. The Pennsylvania Railroad ad with the ‘cut out’ of the luxurious interior is very enticing. Look at how well dressed the people were then, and carried themselves for the train or a plane. The contrast with the unfortunate present couldn’t be more stark.